All the best...

... for the New Year! That is the common greeting here. This is "Old Year's Night" and we will "see in" 2007 at church. It has been a busy week or two, but we have enjoyed many opportunities to share the love of Christ in different forms. After going to church at 6:30 AM on Christmas, we had our own time of worship and opening gifts. Then we went to deliver cake and goodie bags to our neighbors and had some good conversations with several about what Christmas means to us. Our Christmas dinner was spent with our national pastor and his family and another national leader and his family whom we have worked with and mentored in various ways over the years. Later on in the week, it was a joy to have two long term missionaries from the interior of Guyana, Bev Dawson and Chic Ruth, spend some time with us. They are working on translating the New Testament for the Wapishanas, an Amerindian tribe, and the project is within 5 years of completion. Then, another national pastor and his wife, came over with 7 of their 9 kids for games and a hot dog roast. It was fun having children at our home running around enjoying themselves. As this year comes to a close we want to praise the Lord for the many ways He has shown Himself faithful to us, and to our family. There are some exciting times ahead in 2007 for the Potter family - a new grandchild (Owen Daniel - they have confirmed a boy) due in April, and a new "daughter" Christine Tomlinson, recently engaged to Jon and planning to be married in the summer. Although we are far apart physically, we keep close in spirit and mind. "Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world." Isaiah 12:5

I'm Dreaming of...

…. A bright Christmas! What kind of Christmas are you dreaming of? The only white Christmas we can have here would be if it rains. Our temperature may go down to a “cool” 80 degrees with the breeze blowing. What is Christmas for you – good food, being with friends and family, opening gifts, singing carols, eating sweets you don’t normally eat? The list could go on and on. How very different from that first Christmas. There wasn’t snow, good food, shopping, time with family and friends – not even a warm or comfortable place to sleep. This will be a very different Christmas for us – far away from loved ones and many of the usual traditions. Yet, we will still have good food to eat, friends to celebrate the day with and times of enjoyment. It isn’t easy being away from parents, brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren and close friends, but God wants to work through and use all of us in wonderful ways. There have been and will be many opportunities to share that Jesus is the true Reason for the Season. This Christmas may be a sad time for those who grieve the loss of a loved one or are going through serious illness. Only Christ can bring comfort and peace. What will make my Christmas bright? Knowing why I am celebrating and taking the time to share that wonderful message with others. So many people live in darkness. Christmas will never be bright for them. Please pray with us: “Father, may you be the focus of missionaries who are away from family during December. Minister to them and show each one, as well as missionary children, that You are all they need. May those who celebrate the holiday rather than the Son be made aware of the true meaning of Christmas. Make this Christmas one that is focused on Jesus and not the traditions of the season. Use this time as an opportunity for all believers, whether they are missionaries or not, to tell people what Christmas truly celebrates.” Have a “bright” Christmas! “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2
(written by Terri 12/18/06)

Go Hoatzins? :)

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Is it now the big rush to get ready for Christmas? Not quite. Give me a minute. My son, Joel sent us a Thanksgiving greeting and entitled it “What does your Thanksgiving look like?” Good question--What do you think?

When I was kid it was awesome—we got a 4 day weekend with a great meal on Thursday and turkey sandwiches for a week with mayo and mustard—great stuff. Mom (the more spiritual one in our family) would make sure that we invited others to dinner that were lonely or needy so I never remember a meal at Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter with just our family. We would play sandlot softball or football in Florida or just play outside a lot. We did a lot of visiting too as I remember--oh, the good ole days, eh? Later on I always tried to be thankful for the blessings God had given me and not focus on Christmas yet. For me it was great. Share a memorable one with me, wouldya?

The Thanksgiving we just had was great. After speaking on Sunday in the interior of Guyana at a river town called Kwakwani and helping to dismantle an old house (I love being positively destructive—destructive in a good way) in order to build a new church building, Thursday found us with another missionary family remembering Thanksgiving back at the coast. We had a swell (that is a retro word, I suspect) time singing, praying, reading a couple of Psalms, sharing and eating together (victualizing, if you are inclined to play Scrabble.)

After dinner while you perhaps watched football to settle your stomach we bounced around in the back of a truck to a special area in the bush called the backdam where we were able to observe the National Bird of Guyana, the Canje Pheasant also called the Hoatzin (It is quite unique with spurs on its wings, I think.) ¾ of the residents in Guyana have never seen it so we are blessed.

So what really made Thanksgiving special for me was the worship time and fellowship that we had with our friends—the food didn’t hurt the day either, believe me! Our God is so compassionate to forgive our life-long sins, provide eternal life and a relationship with Him through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Do you know Him for sure? Write me.

I miss you all, especially at the holidays but I have found that if I pray intensely for those I miss I become quite content knowing that God will bless them in my absence and provide people in my neck of the woods to befriend or have fellowship with.

Well as I sign off I want you to know that we have been treated real well down here lately. I am sipping “Yuban Coffee” from my French Press Starbucks cup because I am running low on coffee filters. The entire country of Guyana seems to out of stock of them. However—as God would have it, I mentioned my need to a store owner who is friendly with me and he said that he would have his wife pick some up for me when she comes from Canada for Christmas on December 3rd. You see how God provides even in little insignificant ways as well as the major ways. I also used our microwave for the 1st time since in Guyana this go around because we have full voltage now (115 V instead of 90-100 V). We now have hot water for our shower too so I starting to feel guilty as a missionary—like I am not really being deprived of much!

I am thankful and trusting that the Lord will use us for His Glory as we interact with others this Christmas. I prayed this morning that I would not be in such a hurry this season that I would not listen to the Holy Spirit as He leads me to opportunities to share the Love of Christ with my neighbors and those I interact with this during this special, wonderful season.

Love to all ~ Joe

One hop ahead this Thanksgiving

After our work was done in Kwakwani we took a relaxing
boat ride up the Berbice River with our new friend,
Candace--a teacher with WorldTeach.

You know those big, big toads that we used to say give you warts? (or was that from kissing girls?) Well that is our story in the States but here in Guyana there is another side to that old toad story. The old timers here have told me that the extremely deadly Fer-De-Lance snake in Guyana called here the Cropa-Labariah eats these toads and gets it’s venom from them. Incidentally the name of the toad here is “Cropo.” Well guess what? I think the toads here in Guyana are related or are one in the same since the US years ago imported the toads from down here to help control mosquitoes. So watch out if any snakes up there eat the Cropos.

This reminds me of what I was reading in Psalm 119:25ff.

The psalmist says that he is lower than a snake’s belly.
He talks to God about his bad days and God answers him.

His response to God's answer in his grief is:

“Strengthen me and teach me—
Make me understand Your ways—the truth,
Then I will stand amazed with my awesome God."
This is "the faithful way" he says.

Take away the “false way—my distorted thinking”
because I have chosen “the faithful way—help me to not slip!”

I have put Your Words before me,
I cleave to Your Words
I will run in Your Ways
Strengthen my heart for the journey.” (This is the Faithful Way.)

So like I must choose between the "old wives' tale of the toad and the snake or the truth, I must choose between "the faithful way" and "the false way."

I chose the Faithful Way of His Word and reject the False Way of my own choices without regard for God. (Lord, give me your strength to run in it.) I have been on that False Way many times but I am more quickly coming back to Him. :)

May this Thanksgiving find us gratefully in His “The Faithful Way” and not embracing some false toad ideas! I have had enough of that in my life.

On a current note we are spending Thanksgiving dinner with the Colbys--another missionary family here. How about you?~Joe

Delays

There seems to be a theme here these days - delays, in little things and big. The third world lends itself well to this theme. Here they say: "just now." Joe has been searching for certain car parts to repair our car that was damaged back in April. He still hasn't gotten them. The streets where we are living were supposed to be paved, hopefully before rainy season. There are piles of dirt everywhere, but little has been done.Rainy season is almost here. Delays. We have been praying continually for Jon to get a job. Nothing has developed yet. Our co-workers, Jeff and Cheryl Garr, have to go back to the States to treat a medical problem. They treated the problem while on furlough, but it has gotten worse. As much as they want to be back in ministry, God has other plans. Delays. Just today we were on the road with Scott Adams and the Glovers driving to Kwakwani for a brief visit. We started smelling burning rubber and had to stop to check it out. Praise the Lord for cell phones! Scott was able to call the mechanic who said it sounded like wheel bearings and should be repaired ASAP. So, we turned around and went back. Delays. The list could go on and on. It appears that the problem has been fixed and we plan to head out early Thursday morning. I couldn't help but think of Proverbs 16:9: "Man makes his plans and the Lord directs His steps." We have been planning and praying for this trip for weeks. God knows. I am so glad I can trust Him. There may be delays in your life right now. The Guyanese believers like to say:"God knows the best." What peace comes from placing ourselves completely in His hands because He knows the best!

Polly wants a cracker.

Saturday night and all's quiet here per usual. I am wiped out, not looking forward to older age if it is any worse but looking forward to heaven more than ever especially since I realized that the new earth will be similar in physical features to the present earth with the exception of no curse. That means there is a good chance that I can get some serious hiking in when I have time too. I would love to take up snow shoeing too.

Tomorrow being Sunday and all I have an interesting project that I could use some ongoing prayer for. A man I met at a wake house (nights preceding the funeral) in Tain has asked me to visit him at his house. His mom and sister really need the Lord as they are Hindu and having plenty of difficulties in the home. It makes for very uncomfortable living at home. He has asked me to come to meet his mom and sister and if possible talk to them about salvation or at least how to have a better home life. I plan on taking one of my disciples and the pastor with me. Terri wants to go too so it will be a real opportunity. The same disciple that I am taking tomorrow has led a friend of his to the Lord and is quite excited. He is growing and getting quite involved at church so I am quite encouraged at that. Thanks in advance for the prayers.

Boy third world countries give you ample opportunities with basic science projects like clearing air out of water lines for the house so the toilet, pure water system and washing machine work.

I will close with an observation of my 2 parrotlets (green and red small 8" long) Well, Benjamin told me to give them crackers every afternoon at about 4 pm. So dutifully I do that. Then comes the reward. One bird will descend, pick up the cracker with her beak, and carry it back up to the branch at the top of the pen. Then he/she will dip the cracker in her water dish, transfer the cracker to her claw and then proceed to eat it. His/her partner bird will try to crowd in for a hit on the cracker if possible. Then when they are finished they will return to their obilatory destruction of the limb that they are standing on. Interesting at the least. Well, my eyes are buggy. Good night. joe

Knock, knock, who's there?

And you thought this was a joke!
No, it is only a question? I wanted to know the audience of our blog site, if possible so if you check this at times drop me a short email telling me that you are there. I know the family uses it from the comments but I am not sure of others.

Love to all. Joe

One of Those Weeks

This has been "one of those weeks." It started out with a phone call at 6 AM on Monday with the news that Saby's father, (Saby is a lady I am discipling)
died. "Uncle Stanley" accepted the Lord about three months ago and we had been praying that he would get well enough to come to church. God saw fit to take him home instead. That same day, I went to the doctor to remove the stitch from my knee and he said I could walk a little more and do more around the house, but still take it slow. Every night we went to Stanley's home to hold wake services. God enabled us to share the Gospel and encourage a few people at the wake house and we are always thankful for these opportunities. People in this culture "keep wake" at the home by playing card games, dominoes and just "gaffing." (Drinking among the men, too.) It is grueling for the family because they get very little rest. The funeral was on Friday. We also had workmen here most of the week building screens and washing the house. Things have been in some what disarray and disorder. Then, Joe had to run down (I mean, drive) to New Amsterdam 3 different days because of some business matters. Meanwhile, I was at home trying to do my ETA prep. Some how, it got done and I was able to teach. The screens are almost done, and the housewashing, too. In spite of everything, I have tried to take it easy and not do more than I should. The knee seems to be healing well! We have to remind ourselves that not every week is like this week. God does give extra strength, but we are tired today. TGIS - Thank God it's Saturday!

Emoticons for hire!

Here we are in a 3rd World Country wanting to keep in touch with our kids in this electronic age. It's the end of a long day so--we Skype Jon on our computer. He suggests that we make it a conference call with Bek who just happens to be checking in with her brother. We confer for a while but 3 to 4 people on one call leaves too much dead time for me while waiting for that perfect word picture to add to the conversation. My eyes lazily wander over the Skype home page and a bright yellow funny looking face stares back at me--Emoticons. So while the girls are talking I insert a little funny face on a side bar. Eventually it gets noticed. What's this? So we start throwing Emoticons around like slow-pitch soft ball. Soon we are all laughing at each other's latest barrage of funny faces. The conversation goes totally downhill (thanks, Joe! Hey--how WAS I to know?) We confer on our conference call with funny little faces for the rest of the evening with plenty of laughter. So much for intelligent conversation but a very memorable evening was had by all AND it was all free.

Until next time here is my homemade emoticon ;)

PS Pray for Terri as she teaches ETA tonight and has her knee procedure on Monday.

Dead Works

Here is a picture of 2 generations of followers of the Lord.

We went to a Hindu home today. Ever been there? This is what we saw: Today was a special day to do a “Dead Work” in remembrance of a 14 year old boy who drowned in the waters by the sea where we take our walks! The service was most interesting—conch shells for a nice trumpet sound, a brass gong with wooden mallet for a “gonging” sound, and a long steel rod that is stuck to make a “chinging” sound. So then there are prayers that are sung and all kinds of Hindu worship that is done with lily pads, flowers, food, oil lamps and more.

That was what we saw with our eyes but now here is what we only could see with our spiritual eyes. The boy named Vijay had attended the Nigg VBS this summer and we are sure that he responded to the gospel presentation and we think he “trusted Christ to save him!” His parents are oblivious to this—ahh—but God isn’t oblivious, for Vijay trusted the Lord in the knick of time! The angels rejoiced before God on this one! This is our passion and reward.

Many speak to us about the success we have had in raising a family where all our kids are passionate about sharing Christ and His glory to the nations. We are cautiously optimistic but we should all be vigilant so that we do not slip from our steadfastness. May we continue to encourage each other especially since the rapture is nearer than when we believed.

Our prayer, like Asaph’s recorded in Psalm 78:5-8
is that our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will keep their confidence in God, not forget the works of God, but keep His Word.

Jehovah jireh!

I am so encouraged about a special answer to prayer for one of the ladies I am discipling, Sister Nalin. Nalin, who is a single mother with two boys 16 and 18, has raised those boys alone. She has to work hard to keep food on the table. Joe is actually discipling her older son, Vishal. Nalin is one of the most committed ladies I have ever had the privilege to know in Guyana. Her love for the Lord just bubbles over and she is such a joy to be with. One thing that really discourages her is that she can barely read - how she desires to pick up her Bible and read it for herself and be able to share it with others. Watching her struggle to read is a rebuke to me, as I can so easily pick up the Bible and read it for myself. It is hard for her to memorize very well. Every time we meet we try to sing Scripture songs, and of course read the Word together. She so much wants to do it without help. God gave me the thought that it is possible to get the Bible (NIV) on CD's. I even found out that you can download from BibleGateway.com which I would be be more than happy to do. Also, there are nice Scriptures choruses that would really encourage her and help her learn Scripture. Only problem is she did not have a CD player. We began praying that God would provide - I thought about contributing some money towards getting one but couldn't cover the whole cost - to get a good one here you have to pay $75 and up. I did not give her any money because I wanted to pray about it and see if the Lord would provide. Would you believe that when I went to meet with her on Wed. she had a CD player? She could not wait to show it to me. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but it was very significant to us. You have to realize that it takes a month for Nalin to earn this amount of money. Some one sent her some money from the States, which she was not expecting. That along with a little bit of savings was exactly what she needed to buy this particular player. God is so good! Now I need to get downloading - I asked her which book of the Bible would she like first and she said "Job, because God saw him through terrible times." Wow! Don't you love that faith and desire to learn more of God? If anyone knows a reasonable way to purchase the Bible(NIV), or at least the New Testament on CD would you let me know. Hold on! Let's pray about it.

Here's looking at you--I wished!

I am not too inspired today. Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will do it to you. Actually not too many really but when they buzz around and you know that killing them would not really change the percentage of the house's population--why get flustered. Every night it is the same thing. Maybe eventually we will get our screens installed. This isn't the wet season so this is the better time.

Actually the reason I wrote was that a great thing happened on Sunday. A young lady came to church that I had witnessed to while buying some ginup (local fruit) the day that we went to Here's one guy I wished was looking @me!
talk with people after the bank robbery. She is
going to the Ladies Class too. She may have
trusted the Lord between the 2 presentations. :)
She knew some of the young people at church too so that is a plus. Thanks for your prayers.

Well, it continues to be quiet here in Guyana after the election. This is the first time in the 40 years of Guyana's short history that there has not been election violence. Personally it is such a relief too.

At the last election back in 2001 it was an entirely different story. I had gone to Georgetown to buy ceramic tiles so we could finish up the church before we left for furlough in the States--a necessary trip at that time. While in town one of the sales guys that I had befriended said "you know that you will have to pay a toll to get back to Berbice where you live, right"? I asked him how much the toll was--he said "everything you have"! Gulp.

While still in town, an entire city block worth of businesses were burned up in protest. The nurses at the hospital where I was visiting were excited about it--"like isn't this great, you can see the fires from here."

Another friend of ours had tried to get back to Berbice but had to turn back after protesters started throwing bricks at his windshield.

Then while talking on the phone with Terri explaining the situation and telling her about the fire, we were disconnected and unable to get a connected again!! Do you sense the pressure rising. After praying with the other missionaries in town I decided that I would try to drive back at 4 in the morning. There were smoldering bridges but no road blocks and burning tires on the asphalt roads. The money I had was in the aircleaner of the engine. All the tile was there under the protection of I don't know how many angels. I admit I didn't pay much attention to the speed limits on that trip. There was no traffic, no protesters, no problems. Closest I have even been to war. But God.......

I shared that just for praise for this time. YES!

Walking to the sea

We enjoyed a brisk stroll to the ocean with our neighbors, Manet and Zena. They walk there 3-4 times a week. Usually, they don't go all the way to the ocean, just to one of the trenches that runs into the ocean. Pray for us as we search for creative ways to get to know these and many other neighbors.

Terri is getting ready to send out the following update. You will get it first (with her express permission.) The picture represents our 45 minute "one way" walk to the sea with some neighbors.

It is hard to believe that as of September 8, we will have been in Guyana 6 months. Time flies when you're having fun! (or not!!) Really, we are thrilled to be back in active ministry. However, that is tempered with the realities of life in this third world country. Election Day has come and gone. Everyone was anxiously waiting for the official results to be announced. Last night, the announcement was made and the same party is back in office again. Up until today, it has been so quiet and peaceful. So far, so good! However, tensions can boil over if the losing party is not willing to accept the outcome. In the past, there has been rioting, looting, burning buildings and bridges, stopping, robbing and sometimes injuring vehicle occupants as well as threats of disruption of business in many areas. This has not happened this year. Other than an upsurge in crime prior to the elections, things have been unusually peaceful. Praise the Lord for this peace, and pray for it to continue.

The month of August was very fruitful all around the ABC (Association of Bible Churches) with the help of teams from the US. There were 9 nights of crusades and VBS held at 3 different churches. (One church staffed their VBS with mostly Guyanese workers and had no help from teams) It was a joy to help with personal counseling at the different crusades and see people respond to the Gospel. In Kwakwani, another part of Guyana where two CrossWorld families minister, there was an eye team that cared for over 500 individuals. All of these special ministries resulted in many decisions for Christ. Please pray for effective follow up and growth.
While all the special ministries were going on, we still continued with our discipleship program. Since we are developing our own materials, it is a constant challenge to tailor what we are doing to correspond with the maturity and literacy levels of each individual. Many of them have been experiencing trials and difficulties that have needed special attention, such as deaths, illness, rebellious children and depression. We are very encouraged with the growth taking place and the desire to share what they are learning with others. That is what discipleship is all about – learning, growing and sharing with others!!

We received some wonderful news from Indonesia. It looks like the Potter family is growing and an addition to the family is expected in April 2007. As you know, they are in Salatiga, Indonesia, on the island of Java, and are in language school five days a week. Pray for Joel and Bethany as they search out doctors and all medical options and for good health and energy for Bethany. Bekah enjoyed a little break in her hectic summer schedule and is now gearing up for the beginning of school and start up of all regular Sunday school classes and children’s programs. Pray for the ongoing need for volunteers to work in different departments. Jon is still seeking a full time job at a local orthopedic company. He has begun taking Hebrew at Grace Seminary, and is able to work his library and computer jobs at the school while waiting to get a more permanent job. Christine has settled in at Black Forest Academy and needs prayer as she masters driving a stick shift van and continues to adjust to the many responsibilities of a “Resident Assistant” in Germany for one year.

The long awaited sea

I was just experimenting with how much time it takes to uplift picture. Only a couple of minutes tonight. This was taken as close to the sea as you could get without getting wet. It is maybe 100 yards to the edge of the water after the sandbar.

It took about 45 minutes of brisk walking over flat trails and over the tops of about 25 piles of dirt dredged out of the channel in the center of the picture.

Election day has come and gone and tomorrow or Thursday we should hear the result. At that point we might hear something if there is going to be disruptions. So far so quiet:) Thanks for your prayers. Our roads and towns are almost like ghost towns. The streets are empty. Some shops closed for 2 weeks because of anticipated post election violence. We'll keep you posted. Joe Joe

honey in the belly of the lions

He has done it again. God. After heavily armed bandits with AK 47 assault rifles hold up 2 local banks and get away with millions, God has done it again! In the most unprecedented way, the Guyanese police and army went after these guys with a vengeance it seemed.

After 4 days of pursuit through the very snake infested Canje swamps of the interior all the robbers were shot and killed including some with a criminal record an arm long. Several bags of money were recovered as well but not all of it.

Terri has described the feeling of the locals as “feeling the same as if terrorists were in the country.” So where is the honey from the belly of the lion?

One of our national pastors had begun a friendship with one of the managers of one bank whom he had led to Christ a short time before. The man has since been out to the pastor’s church with another employee and his wife as well. He is now affectionately considered the Bank’s Pastor. After this robbery by the "lions" the pastor was called on to lead the staff in prayer and sharing the Word. Psalm 23 comes alive at a time like this.

I praise God for the pastor and his fellow workers that Terri and I are working ‘behind the scenes’ with. Please keep Guyana in your prayers as elections are coming on Monday, the 28th.

We serve an awesome God with thanksgiving.

It's 2 bank robberies simultaneously!

Well, it is getting late and I am getting tired (its almost 9pm and you would understand if you were over 50 and living at the equator) but I just have to share this.

On Friday morning at about 11:30am in the town of Rose Hall 2 banks were robbed simultaneously by a total of 15 heavily armed bandits (actually they each only had 2 arms but several guns). I was at church with about 6 other youths/men helping to build a basketball court about a mile away. Word on the street got to us as we were trying to buy "form lumber" for the concrete pad so we all left the church and went to a home of one of the guys whose dad was home and who is a member of the Guyana Defence Force (the Army) to wait it out. Br. Mike our pastor and another believer had just been at the bank and left before this whole thing happened. Everyone in the villages were really frightened. The bandits got away with a good amount of money and only wounded one person. But they created chaos and fear by the way they were shooting up the area with AK 47 Assault Rifles. This was Friday as I said.

Today Monday, Terri and I went back in to Rose Hall where the robberies had taken place to just visit around. I realized that God was leading us to spread comfort and peace through the Lord Jesus Christ to several of the vendors that Terri normally deals with at the market as well as several others that we met along the way. As they shared their stories (some were right on the street in front of the banks almost) we were touched by the terror they had dealt with. 2 or 3 young people who sold "ginnup," a small fruit) at the road side stated that they wanted to recive Christ as their Savior. A Hindu lady is becoming more open and several others are opening too. Praise God for His care for us.

This was certainly not our normal day off but what a treasure it has become--sharing God's peace in the midst of trouble--that's real peace. God wanted us to be there with the vendors to share God's Peace that is available in the midst of terror. "He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord that He is my refuge and shelter, my God in whom I trust. " There is no better place to be.

We ended our day by taking an hour's walk to the Atlantic Ocean with our Muslim neighbors.
Thank you for all you do to keep us here to train the nationals to Carry the Banner of Christ.

The wedding house is not over yet!

The Wedding did take place and we did see some people that we have not seen for a long time. But weddings are so different here that it sometimes is difficult to predict what will happen. Loud music, good food (Seven Curry served on a lily pad and mango chutney for dessert--tastes like apple pie :] Attending has helped our relationship in the community I think.

Now if we can only get them to pull the plug on the loud music--day 3. At least I think they will pull the plug on the music around 11pm, I am guessing.

This is only one of several things going on here. Terri is singing in the Crusade Choir for the 7th, 8th, and 9th night this week and helping with refreshments for 2 VBS. Joe is helping build a small basketball court at Tain Church. Last week he helped repair a foot bridge leading to the church building over the large storm drain. And then there is discipleship and counseling opportunities a plenty.

Pray for our sanity, sleep, safety, and sensitivity to opportunities--the 4 S's!

More wedding house

The big news here is the noise—actually its loud music—a wall of large 15” speakers—about 16 in total. Our house actually vibrates with the sound. This is going to be happening for about 36 to 48 hours. Even though the it is a wedding according to Hindu tradition the music is popular music here in Guyana. There are noise nescience laws on the books but police are reluctant to enforce them. Well, I have survived 2 hours thus far!

Actually we are hoping to meet some more of our neighbors through this so come back on Sunday or Monday and we will fill you in.

This is a cultural experience, enjoy it. I am swaying to the music at times. Otherwise I could consider it some type of torture to break me down in some way………I choose to be cool. It is part and parcel to another culture. By the way the ear plugs do help a little!

the Wedding House

“The Wedding House”

It is 6:30 pm Friday night. Hindu drummers accompany a processional to the Hindu Temple and then to the house. The participants dance around to these drum solos for about 3 hours. Its 9:30—gotta get a good night of sleep for what is to come.
Now Saturday morning has arrived—a good night’s sleep. There is a beach ball on a 15 foot tall bamboo pole symbolizing their Hindu wedding that was put up last night. They will leave it up for years. Recently today several ladies donned saris and daubed mud on themselves for some reason—beauty perhaps—nay.

You know, we do things so differently in the States. Here the female members of the extended family come over days earlier to “pick rice”. That is where you buy cheaper rice that might have pieces that are not editable and then they sit around a table and pick out the bad pieces while they talk—sort of like a quilting bee. Then today there is more food preparation time under the carport by 15 or so ladies and guys as they cook the food over outside pots with a wood fire. They use something like a large wok about 2 feet in diameter—very labor intensive. Seven Curry is the favorite for “wedding houses.”

This is their solution to catering. Some people here do cater events but it usually consists of a Styrofoam box with vegetable fried rice (chicken or beef too, if they are not Hindu), some roti perhaps and a small paper sack of sweet bread with the consistency of dough—called sweet meat.

Focus and breeze

As I sit at the keyboard, sweating without moving, I pray for focus and for breeze. Some countries are more hospitable than others to work in.

Now, the kids outside are focused. They are trying to catch a tilapia (fish) in the drainage ditch in front of our house. They are focused and jumping up and down at the same time. I was hoping to catch that fish on my day off but it looks like they might get there first. Kids love it here although they have so little compared to cutting edge countries but then again they are not comparing.

One very young little kid a while back was nearly waist deep enjoying a relaxing bath in the middle of a large mud puddle in the road. Now that same road is as hard as concrete.

Some people here have to go to their neighbor's house to get a shower but that gives them an opportunity to visit too. So it's cool.

Right now, the ABC that we work under is having 3 evangelistic crusades at night and 3 Vacation Bible Schools with a team from PA. Terri sings regularly in the Crusade Choir and I sing "one and far" (not very often) with our church crusade choir. Several people may have trusted Christ to save them. This is the easy part. Now pray that follow-up will take place in each of the churches.

We are focused and working hard at creating effective discipleship here inspite of the heat. Pray that we will learn what God wants us too so that the Guyanese can realistically reach their own country by applying Biblical discipleship.

The next big distraction that we know of is a "Wedding House" two houses away--nearly 24 hour a day house rocking music for 2 days! We will get a chance to meet some more neighbors if we can stay awake long enough after the loss of sleep.

Until then.

Ladies Meeting
Our trusty wheels
Sand dunes by the "Trail"
The straight and narrow way from bush pool

Kaboom!!

To me, the Guyanese ladies are some of the most fun-loving people I have ever been privileged to know. They are so unsophisticated and simple. (Just like me!) We had a lot of fun “gaffing”, telling funny stories about ourselves, singing, etc. Though most of them don’t know how to swim, some were eager to learn. We went to the “bush pool” and between using life jackets and lots of encouragement, at least 3 of them learned to float and do the doggy paddle. However, there is a clumsy side of me that almost always shows itself. First of all, to get to the bush pool, you have to walk on a narrow bridge made of a thick beam. Every time I got to the other end, I lost my balance. Thankfully, I always caught myself and didn’t fall in; just got my feet and legs muddy, plus looked rather foolish. Speaking of foolish, I did a foolish thing and succumbed to peer pressure, something I rarely ever do! There was a rope swing with a seat that goes really high if you get on it from a 5 feet high platform. I kept saying no because I didn't want to hurt my back. Well, finally, I decided to try it. Up until the moment I jumped, I questioned my sanity because I could tell it goes very fast and if you don't get your legs up and over the seat, "Kaboom!!" Reluctantly I grabbed the rope, hung on for dear life and "Kaboom" my knees hit the sand because I didn't lift my feet in time. The ladies were really upset that I got hurt. I thought they were going to cry. So, I tried to minimize the pain I was in, but it really stung. It is especially painful to go up and down stairs and get in the car. One knee is very swollen. Thankfully, I was wearing jeans so I didn't scrape the knees, just bruised them. Maybe I will learn the lesson "When in doubt, don't". On Sunday at church when Pastor Michael was sharing about the trip, he said, “Sister Terri was swinging from tree to tree.” Well, no one can say that I didn’t try, right??

Home at Last!

(written by Terri) The weary traveler made it home at about 10:15 PM Friday but not without a little adventure and drama. Our journey began in Kwakwani at 3:30 AM. It seemed like the drive home was going well, when we noticed smoke coming from beneath the truck and something black dripping. When we stopped, a large amount of oil gushed out. Not a good sign. We prayed and Michael decided to drive back to a small village which was about 30 minutes away. If we ran out of oil on the way we would have had to stop driving and have the vehicle towed. However, we were able to locate a mechanic with tools who was able to make the necessary repairs only a short distance away from us; after a delay of two hours we were back on the trail again. Praise the Lord for providing the right mechanic so quickly - a miracle in itself. Other than a couple of car sick ladies, the trip proceeded without incident. We enjoyed some beautiful scenery along the way, including some sand dunes, Guyana's "Grand Canyon", a man-made wonder created by bauxite mining and a little water fall. Also, we enjoyed singing our way through a Maranatha Praise chorus book, sharing testimonies, and telling jokes and funny stories, so the trip didn’t seem too long. We were behind schedule by a few hours, so stopped for a not so quick lunch at "Qik Serv" in Linden. then on to Georgetown. Another stop for food at KFC, then on to the stelling, where this journey began 4 days ago. Any travel in Guyana is usually an exercise in patience. With it being Friday evening, we had a two hour wait before we could get in a ferry to make the crossing back into home territory. One more stop to add water to the radiator which was overheating, then home, sweet home!
This trip was one of the most enjoyable times I have had in Guyana. I was healthy the whole time and had a lot of fun. We went on a boat ride, walked around the market area, and went swimming at “bush pool.” I even gave swimming lessons. God worked in some wonderful ways through our times in the Word and personal sharing, as well as cooking together, playing games and just “gaffing”. (what Guyanese call talking) Many of the women come from difficult family situations. It gave me a greater appreciation for the "normal", functional family I have been blessed with. God had impressed upon me to do a study of 2 Cor. 1:3-11 to share for our devotions and I challenged our ladies to allow God to use them to comfort others, because of the ways God has comforted them. It was so encouraging to see them do just that. There were a number of unsaved women at the ladies’ meeting and the Gospel was clearly presented through testimonies and a message from Psalm 40. One woman did accept the Lord. What a joy to see many of our ladies spend time with the ladies from Kwakwani. Please pray for many others who have not yet come to Christ, but know what to do, and for the others who are believers, but need so much growth.
Thanks for your prayers! I felt well in body, soul and spirit, except for a little tumble that bruised my knees. (can’t play young any more and take chances!)

Ah, life by the river is a little wet at times.

Well, my friends Terri made it over the trail amazingly. She called to tell me that she was doing well. The trip was fatiguing BUT uneventful. The Dyna truck didn't even get that dirty--now that is disappointing to me as a guy. The journey is as much fun and challenge as the destination. I'm sure Br. Mike, the driver was relieved since he had so many ladies and 2 small children too. They arrived at 630pm after 14 hours on the road. The most challenging part was when they arrived at the flooded riverfront of Kwakwani. Their truck stalled 3 times going through high water getting to and from the ferry and just driving through the streets on the way to the house but bless God the engine didn't suck any water in.

Terri mentioned that one lady trusted the Lord to save her by the end of Tuesday so the ladies were all excited as was I and the angels in Heaven. Jesus is an awesome Savior. Lately Terri seems to be really impressed with how much God helps those who trust Him as their Savior in the struggles of daily life, not only the wonderful gift of eternal life. Godly women look at things so differently than us men (at least me). Didn't God say it was not good for man to live alone? We men need their input to round out the picture. Well it's not the best for this man to live alone. He looks forward to seeing his honey again. Bye.

bumpity, bumpity, bump, bump, bump

Well, at this writing I am not sure where Terri is yet. Hopefully she made it through "The Trail" I talked about yesterday. God has given me a peace about it so far. This morning at 4am Terri said she was doing pretty well. Then she saw The Dyna. It is a flatbed truck with removeable sides and a sheet steel roof arched over the entire back of the truck for protection from sun and rain. On the right and left of the back bed are 2 narrow bench seats about 10 foot long by about 10 inches wide. There is a little foam rubber underneath the stretched-over plastic covers.
Can you imagine that 10 hours? There is enough breese that you don't smell diesel fumes.

Now The Trail. I get uncomfortable just thinking about it. It is a mud and dirt road that takes about 3 hours in good weather with dry roads.
Now the rainy season is over so you would think that the road would be dry and nice. Think again. Rainy season just means it rains more then. During the "dry season" it still rains, just not as much. On some trails I have heard of people having to winch themselves from tree to tree in some spots where the worst mud has developed. It really isn't that bad on the KK trail. You just sort of weave your way back and forth around the mudpuddles ( 3 foot deep in places :) in the worst places. The road is literally 40-50 feet wide in places to give you more road to pick from.

I loaned them a come-a-long and some heavy nylon strapping for towing in the event that they get stuck. Sometimes big military type logging equipment come by and are almost always willing to pull you out for a small cash gift.

Well, I am getting offline just in case "Bumpity--my love" calls. See Ya.

Are we there yet?

What happened to bumpity? She bumped off my screen. Sorry. But Terri is going to be bumping her way to Kwakwani (prehistoric baxite mining town--actually 70 years ago it was hopping), Guyana somewhere in the jungle of Guyana. She and some ladies from the Tain Bible Church are having a Ladies Retreat. Pastor Mike and Maria, his wife ministered in Kwakwani in the past. He is the chauffeur. As you know Terri has been sick and is now recovering due to God's intervention. She is sleeping at the moment. She is being picked up in a Dyna, Toyota truck at 4:10 am tomorrow. We will be there with the camera for your added interest. Then its off to the stelling (Dutch for dock and ferry, I think). After an hour's wait, the 5:30 ferry will carry the truck with over with about 20 vehicles and 100 passengers across the Berbice River. Then it is a 2 hour trip over smooth countryside and village roads to Georgetown. After a pit stop in Georgetown they rush off to Linden arriving at Noon. And then, THE TRAIL through the lesser jungle ! More about that tomorrow.

bumpedy, bumpedy, bump, bump, bump

Citizens of Heaven and Earth

Last week we had a memorial service for a lady in Rose Hall called "grandmother". For 9 nights after her death traditionally people coming over each evening to play dominoes or cards, gaff (have conversation), enjoy snacks prepared by the family and 4 times we shared a gospel message from the Scriptures and sang Christian hymns to this those that came. We were all touched. A few years ago we buried a dear friend of ours that was the daughter to Grandmother. She too was a Christian.

Here is a comment we received from Rebekah, our daughter who was close to all these people too. " I was saddened to hear of the death of Grandmother, but so thankful to know that Claudette is now a believer (She trusted Christ to save her while at the wake services) -what a neat blessing to come out of all that. I'm sure that if Sister Violet knows what's happened up in Heaven, she sure is excited! I wonder if she ever meets up with Nana? That's just a random thought I had but do you ever wonder what it's like in Heaven for those who are there? Like I wonder if Aunt Rena and Nana talk and if they know any of our friends from Guyana who have already gone to Heaven, people like Leenie and Violet and Sister Ruby. What a conversation that would be! I am so thankful that God put you guys back in Guyana. He is using you in neat ways there, even if you don't always see it."

We are thankful that God put us here again too.

~written by Joe

Time Out!

No, this is not a football (soccer to some) time out but a personal time out for Joe and Terri. We came to Georgetown to do some city business and enjoy the 4th of July with the American Ambassador to Guyana as well as other Americans and missionary friends. We even played a little friendly badmitton (not like competitive badmitton in Indonesia where the cock flies at 100mph) and then swam some laps in the very refreshing pool. Today on the 4th we joined our missionary friends (Ken and Karen Glover with CrossWorld and Bev Dawson with Wycliffe in Guyana for 32 years) at a "Lake Resort" for a day of frolic, food and friendship as well as team building.

We have gotten haircuts, had our teeth cleaned, done our bi-monthly shopping in town, gone on a couple of dates, slept in, ate carrot cake, watched Brazil get beat in World Cup Football :( and generally relaxed with a number of good books and even an old Western movie.

So tomorrow it is back to work with zesto--or at least some enthusiasium.

Hope and Despair

Tuesday afternoon is usually a busy time of ministry. This week was no different. We had discipleship meetings early so that we could go on visitation. Brother Michael took us to meet a couple who know a lot about the Bible but don't understand that salvation is a free gift received by trusting in Christ. We shared some verses with them and prayed together. Next we met a young single mother in desperate straits - she even shared that the night before she considered ending her life. She has some very difficult things going on in her life and we spent time sharing what Christ has done and how He can help her. Although she still doesn't fully understand the Gospel, we were able to give her some hope and encouragement. Please pray for M. that she can fully understand the Gospel and trust Christ as her Saviour soon. When visitation ended, we hurried over to Claudette's house where they have been keeping wake since last Wednesday for her mother our friend, Grandmother, who went home to heaven last week. Claudette was so relaxed and willing to talk. Joe began sharing the Gospel and Claudette acknowledged that she is trusting Christ for her salvation. She was real clear about it. We are so excited as we have prayed for her for years and shared the Gospel many times. Will you pray for Claudette and her family as they adjust to life without Grandmother, but life with Christ as her Saviour?
-written by Terri

Ring Ring!!

Ring, ring, what is that funny noise—the phone??

Whoops, they hung up!

God has answered all of our prayers by giving us a dial tone.

We praise God for His timely help. Now the funny part is that we can receive calls but we can not make calls until we go through another hoop. I want to think that I had learned enough patience for one lifetime but even at 58…!

Truly though we are rejoicing. I often go by the phone and pick it up just to listen to the dial tone and smile. YES!! Give us a shout. 322-3518 and internationally you may dial 011-592-322-3518

Connected,
Joe and Terri

The second invasion—Dragonflies

First you read of the amphibian invasion, now this: Like hundreds of squadrons of miniature Apache Gun Ships rising up silently out of the marsh heading due south on some secret quest, 1000’s of brilliantly green dragonflies filled the sky with their wings for 45 incredible minutes as they flew all at the same speed, same direction, and same formation. Our wonderful Creator-God treats those of us around the world to some awesome displays of His unique creative genius. By the way we are still amused with the many frogs around the house. Mosquitoes are still among us at night for a few more weeks I think. They are the real Gun Ships—they bite, dragonflies don’t!

Now is the time to say a prayer for our phone situation. It may actually happen by Tuesday evening, so they say. We have heard it before but we are encouraged to pray again for this new deadline. Terri faithfully carries our laptop over to one of 3 friend’s house for a working phone to hook up to. She then fellowships, does all the email and internet business and then walks back home. There is so much more that we really should do but without a phone we are limited time-wise as to downloads and longer tasks.

Happy Dad’s Day. Pray, Pray, Pray! J

Temple Worship

6/11/06

As we were preparing our hearts to pray after breakfast this Sunday morning we were interrupted by a band of 5 Hindu men ceremoniously walking down the street collecting vegetable offerings from any of the faithful. This is done in preparation for their morning service. Every evening and some mornings the 2 young neighborhood men in their thirties collect hibiscus and oleander flowers as part of their daily worship in their family’s own idol house. While burning incense, waving something like sparklers, and ringing small tinny bells they appease their gods. If they stop doing this, sometimes they are plagued with demonic harassment. Many are afraid to stop being Hindu for this reason. Even now more drums are beating.

About one month ago during special ceremonies with the Kali Temple, worshippers dance and chant in the streets to the beat of their drums to call on the demons (they think they are calling on their gods) to indwell them and the demons do indwell them at times showing super-human strength! This special Kali ceremony goes on for a week and thankfully is only once a year.

In light of all that has happened in Guyana in the last 4 years we are clinging to the Lord being reminded of the Apostle Paul’s statement in Romans 8: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Progress??

Hot showers – wireless internet – roads without potholes – Popeye’s Fried Chicken – Bath and Body Works products - is this really Guyana? In some ways, there has been some real progress towards moving into the 21st Century. A new cricket stadium is being constructed for the International Cricket World Cup to be held in the Caribbean in 2007. Hotels, new homes and restaurants are being built every where.
On the other hand, there are other things that haven’t changed – if anything, they have gotten worse: execution style killings, violent crimes, robberies, suicides, political unrest. A dear brother in Christ, who was a security guard, was shot to death on the job this week, leaving behind a loving wife, son, daughter and precious 10 month old grandson – all for a mere $1,500. Life is so cheap here. We know that these things are happening around the globe, not just Guyana. However, it really hits home when it directly affects someone you know.
We used to visit this brother at his work place and are grateful that Br. Allan knew Christ as his Savior and had a good testimony in the community. As I (Terri) sat with his widow, Sis. Yvonne, I could sense the peace and comfort she has in the Lord. “He’s home with Jesus,” she told me tearfully. “I know where he is.” So many people live and die without the comfort and peace of the Lord. That is why we are here – to share the comfort, peace and joy we have in knowing Christ. People are frightened and worried. You can sense how vulnerable and insecure they feel. Will you pray for us 1) that we can make a difference in this dark place 2) that God will use these difficult times to bring people to Him 3) and for our safety and protection as we go about our daily life and ministry? “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:5, 6
>written by Terri on June 8, 2006

Amazing!

Check out Joel and Bethany’s blog site: danielael.blogspot.com
Amazing things!

Pray for us as we settle in to our discipleship ministry for real. We will be working with 7 total—4 ladies and 3 men including one couple. For this reason we are here. We are not here to complain about the present blackout (no electric), the flooding at times (like can we get to the street without getting stuck in the mud type of thing, the 75 volts of electricity that greatly damages your electrical equipment, or the lack of a phone where we can do our own email (isn’t that a fundamental right like free email?!

We are excited about the possibilities.

Pray for Terri too as she is helping to head up the Ladies Rally that happens in about 10 days. Will keep you posted.

Record Cold Spell!

It was 80 degrees with a wind chill that made it about 65! We shivered! Then it rained and rained and now I am blogging. Get the soggy point? You gotta love the coolness.

On a different note we visited friends from our former church in Canje and what an afternoon. Listen to what we soaked up as we listened to the way the children have for the most part gone on for the Lord. There are now about 125-150 kids a week between 4 locations—Canefield, 2 in Adelphie, and Padduck by Poohal—You gotta love these names. Older kids—Balram, Maranda, Odessa, and Shawn (Sis. Sano’s son) and 4 adults—Narine, Shoba, Pam, and Robert have been leading them. Thanks Joel, Bekah, and Jon for the time you invested in the kids in Canje. Not being here, you still reap!

Some teens have made poor choices and married Hindu or Muslim spouses. One family had a derelict dad murdered and a physically abused mom of 6 who eventually committed suicide. God knows our hearts cried and praised over seeds planted, destroyed and some on to tremendous fruit.

The church still has its difficulties with all the baggage of the past but God isn’t finished yet. We keep praying. Aslan is on the move!

Mud Derby

5-19-06

Well, we returned to Guyana only to find that the rainy season had begun in earnest. The dirt road in front of our house became so much mud in places that we would specifically pray each time before driving because of the strong possibility of becoming another stat in “the stick in the mud” scene. Joe loved the sliding turns that were required to negotiate the corners—“Yeehaa!”

Speaking of turning corners—we are turning one here by getting more involved in ministry as our set up chores are slowing down to make room for discipleship. I still have a lot of work to do but it will have to get done a little at a time sort of like chores around the house.

Our back yard is most intriguing. Flooding. Mosquitoes L (Some.) Mongoose (or is it mongeese?) travel through our yard to hunt in the neighbor’s overgrown yard. (So, little chances for cobra snakes, right? They aren’t in Guyana anyway. Terri says J!) We now have 2 three month old puppies for the mongoose to share the back yard too. Sort of a Rottweiller—Ridgeback (like a more docile Doberman) mix. The question is this. Will the puppies live long enough to rule the back yard or will the mongoose chase the puppies back into their pens? If they live long enough (only kidding) they will become watch dogs.

Thanks for your patience while we were offline. Hope you missed us. We look forward to bringing some interesting tidbits from life in Guyana.

The Invasion of the Amphibians!

The invasion of the Amphibians

Our rural, breezy pleasant existence has been invaded by small frogs with big eyes. Now I know how Frodo and Samwise Ganges felt when they were tailed by Gollum—that frog-like creature. Our amphibious friends are not as sinister though—actually they are rather cute up to now. When you enter the bathroom you are serenaded by frogs singing “Ribbett-Ribbett!”—A rather watered down version though I must say. J My only fear is that they do not produce tadpoles in the toilet— Oh I’m Aghast—a plague?

I am reminded in James to not give in to the little frogs of sin around us which ends up with a lot of lust that becomes sin. Our defense is found in Romans 8, “If we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Lately if you were here you would have seen us hard at work. Terri is sewing lacy type curtains and “installing them” as well as putting up knick-knacks, cleaning and preparing yummy meals. Today was BBQ Chicken sandwiches and the Potter’s favorite salad—Terri’s potato salad. I have been transforming a shipping crate into a dog pen, setting up our water filtering system and securing some doors and cleaning up some in the yard.

Well, we are off to Jon’s graduation on Wednesday at 2:00 A.M. so until we get back, watch out for the Amphibians.

OOPS!

Blog 4-26

Oops! What do you get when you cross a backhoe and a Toyota Wagon—read on?

A crowd of people waiting to see if this white man will get angry and yell and scream at the backhoe operator for messing up his nice silver car.

Pray that it will result in people hearing the gospel that might not have otherwise. The Lord enabled me to be cool, calm and collective. J

We have a nice car down here that we were able to purchase through the gifts of God’s people like you 2. It is a 1999 Toyota Station Wagon--Silver in color. Already it has had 2 altercations. One was with a taxi driver who thought I wasn’t merging fast enough and tried to get around me but didn’t fit. The other was an accident today when I stopped at a crosswalk (the law) and a BACKHOE rammed me at the back right corner. His brakes were faulty. Can you believe that It only broke the light assembly and crunched the quarter-panel about an inch. So our Toyota is initiated real well. The owners of the construction company are paying for it since they admitted that it was their fault.

Pray for our safety down here.

Aiming to drive safely and sanely.

Wow-Are you an ornithologist?

Wow—Are you an ornithologist?

Just the other day we spotted a Great Black Hawk, several Snail Kites and some swallows chasing about a thousand bugs in what looked like an aerial dog fight—all during our time on the veranda.

Still no phone and our voltage is 80 volts at night and 90 during the day so we limp along trying to make do while we get up to speed. We have to run a generator to do the laundry. Please pray for the new electrical lines to be installed in this community by next month as they are scheduled to do.

A few days ago one of our governmental ministers was assassinated. He seemed to be a good man but we do have our troubles down here. Politics here gets kind of dirty before the elections especially.

On a good note, we went back in to Canje Sunday to visit some of our former church folks. What a blessing it was to see people carrying on for the Lord in the face of adversity. More on that later. Gotta run as we say in Guyana, no no, I mean in the States. Bye.

Guyana Gaff

Wow—Are you an ornithologist?

Just the other day we spotted a Great Black Hawk, several Snail Kites and some swallows chasing about a thousand bugs in what looked like an aerial dog fight—all during our time on the veranda.

Still no phone and our voltage is 80 volts at night and 90 during the day so we limp along trying to make do while we get up to speed. We have to run a generator to do the laundry. Please pray for the new electrical lines to be installed in this community by next month as they are scheduled to do.

A few days ago one of our governmental ministers was assassinated. He seemed to be a good man but we do have our troubles down here. Politics here gets kind of dirty before the elections especially.

On a good note, we went back in to Canje Sunday to visit some of our former church folks. What a blessing it was to see people carrying on for the Lord in the face of adversity. More on that later. Gotta run as we say in Guyana, no no, I mean in the States. Bye.

Guyana Gaff

Finally—My first shower

After moving into our house we only had a faucet for buckets about 18” off the floor of our shower. The shower didn’t work. But not to worry, we simply got our stretching exercises done while we showered way down under the pipe. Slowly things are coming together. We do really love our little house with the big breeze.

We rise somewhere between 5:30 and 6:30 and have a beautiful sunrise at 5:30 to awake with the birds with and then drink in the breeze with a good cup of local coffee.
Terri is putting up curtains and has worked really hard but happily to make it a home. J
The house (21’ x 27’) has 2 small bedrooms and a small bath on one side and a living room and a kitchen on the other side. It has a front and back veranda. AMEN. Then downstairs we have a storage room that we are going to turn into an office. We will build a couple of other storage areas downstairs as well.

It’s hard to get on the net these days since we don’t have our own phone yet so please be patient, the blogs will come eventually.

Talk again soon.

Hobo Joe

We have surfaced after a long absence. It is very hard to get onto line here so we can't be regular bloggers. Thanks for being patient. HoBo Joe is referring to our living situation. We live in a small 2 br house with inside bath (that's optional by some standards) in a squatting area. That means that people can build a house on a lot and then after so many years it becomes theirs. We pay rent from one of the pastors who is buying the house and land. Right now we have a one burner kerosene stove, a 5 gallon cooler, and one or two other things. Some running water is available if the water tank has rain water in it. It will be pleasant when it is finished. Terri has worked hard at cleaning it. Some church folks have helped too. I am still working on locating parts for the stove and the water system. Our shipment arrives on Tuesday.

Joel and family leave for Indonesia on Monday. Its especially hard for them since Bethany's dad is experiencing serious health set backs.

Oh me moma, its hot already. Abee gon naw.

Jhia-go-bin and Terriwati (our fun G names)

fresh green cow dung, anyone?

Creative cooling. Yesterday I experienced a cool breeze--most refreshing--but then I had to close the refrigerator door! Oh Well.

Truly though, yesterday we shopped for necessary things to begin living in Guyana and then at 4pm we took a break at a very civilized place. The Oasis is a free wireless internet Starbucks type of place with real coffee (not instant), nice reasonable food—even a buffet at lunch and yummy desserts, with air conditioning and service! All in one place—amazing.

We do really need your prayers though. Everyone in our extended family is going through newly discovered difficulties that we all need God’s wisdom and grace for. Terri will have more in our next email update.

2 missionaries here in Guyana have emergency health needs. One has a shoulder that quit working due to Bursitis and the other has internal bleeding.

We will be going to Berbice after the weekend, then back to here to Georgetown, and then back to Berbice—all next week, Lord-desiring.

One parting note—Our new to us car just ran the Guyanese gauntlet. While driving the speed limit, a van pulls past us on the shoulder of the road, we swerve to allow that van to not run over a bicyclist in front of him and then an on-coming car splatters our car and windshield with freshly deposited cow dung. Have a nice day.

Guyana Joe

Guyana Gaff

Creative cooling. Yesterday I experienced a cool breeze--most refreshing--but then I had to close the refrigerator door! Oh Well.

Truly though, yesterday we shopped for necessary things to begin living in Guyana and then at 4pm we took a break at a very civilized place. The Oasis is a free wireless internet Starbucks type of place with real coffee (not instant), nice reasonable food—even a buffet at lunch and yummy desserts, with air conditioning and service! All in one place—amazing.

We do really need your prayers though. Everyone in our extended family is going through newly discovered difficulties that we all need God’s wisdom and grace for. Terri will have more in our next email update.

2 missionaries here in Guyana have emergency health needs. One has a shoulder that quit working due to Bursitis and the other has internal bleeding.

We will be going to Berbice after the weekend, then back to here to Georgetown, and then back to Berbice—all next week, Lord-desiring.

One parting note—Our new to us car just ran the Guyanese gauntlet. While driving the speed limit, a van pulls past us on the shoulder of the road, we swerve to allow that van to not run over a bicyclist in front of him and then an on-coming car splatters our car and windshield with freshly deposited cow dung. Have a nice day.

Guyana Joe

Guyana Gaff

Creative cooling. Yesterday I experienced a cool breeze--most refreshing--but then I had to close the refrigerator door! Oh Well.

Truly though, yesterday we shopped for necessary things to begin living in Guyana and then at 4pm we took a break at a very civilized place. The Oasis is a free wireless internet Starbucks type of place with real coffee (not instant), nice reasonable food—even a buffet at lunch and yummy desserts, with air conditioning and service! All in one place—amazing.

We do really need your prayers though. Everyone in our extended family is going through newly discovered difficulties that we all need God’s wisdom and grace for. Terri will have more in our next email update.

2 missionaries here in Guyana have emergency health needs. One has a shoulder that quit working due to Bursitis and the other has internal bleeding.

We will be going to Berbice after the weekend, then back to here to Georgetown, and then back to Berbice—all next week, Lord-desiring.

One parting note—Our new to us car just ran the Guyanese gauntlet. While driving the speed limit, a van pulls past us on the shoulder of the road, we swerve to allow that van to not run over a bicyclist in front of him and then an on-coming car splatters our car and windshield with freshly deposited cow dung. Have a nice day.

Guyana Joe

Fresh green cow dung anyone?

Creative cooling. Yesterday I experienced a cool breeze--most refreshing--but then I had to close the refrigerator door! Oh Well.

Truly though, yesterday we shopped for necessary things to begin living in Guyana and then at 4pm we took a break at a very civilized place. The Oasis is a free wireless internet Starbucks type of place with real coffee (not instant), nice reasonable food—even a buffet at lunch and yummy desserts, with air conditioning and service! All in one place—amazing.

We do really need your prayers though. Everyone in our extended family is going through newly discovered difficulties that we all need God’s wisdom and grace for. Terri will have more in our next email update.

2 missionaries here in Guyana have emergency health needs. One has a shoulder that quit working due to Bursitis and the other has internal bleeding.

We will be going to Berbice after the weekend, then back to here to Georgetown, and then back to Berbice—all next week, Lord-desiring.

One parting note—Our new to us car just ran the Guyanese gauntlet. While driving the speed limit, a van pulls past us on the shoulder of the road, we swerve to allow that van to not run over a bicyclist in front of him and then an on-coming car splatters our car and windshield with freshly deposited cow dung. Have a nice day.

Guyana Joe

The Good Life

Saturday afternoon we had a date. For $15 we were able to go to a local hotel in the middle of town and go swimming in their big pool. So after about 20 laps and a little reading behind my Foster Grants we sashayed over to the poolside cafe and sipped and sipped tropical fruit punch with a slice of fresh pineapple atop it while the cooling breeze and swaying tropical foliage lured us into another world.

While there we saw some visiting celebrites. A group of actors and actresses from New York came to Guyana to shot a film about a guy trying to get a Guyanese band together! I even had the opportunity to talk with the Art Director of the Set.
Alas, he got called away before we had much time. Better luck next time.

Awesome opportunities!

As I look around here in Georgetown, Guyana I am heartbroken for the protestant Afro-Guyanese who have churches that just don’t teach a clear gospel message. God used that heartbrokenness in my life to search out some people like Jesus at Jacob’s Well in John, chapter 4. While out shopping for a car for a few days I found myself eyeball to eyeball with some Afro-Guyanese (Blacks) while test driving cars and getting details worked out for the purchase of our car. The Lord gave me the courage to simply talk to them about their relationship with God. Oh, it was so good. (I forget when I come back to the states how hard it can be sometimes to do that.) One man I just asked carefully with out scaring him, “if you were to die today do you know for sure that you would go to heaven to be with God? During the 15 minutes we were together in the car he learned about forgiveness of all of his past and future sins and I believe he trusted Christ to save him. In the other case I just talked with the man about the church he went to and then shared the gospel through my testimony and he too I think, got the assurance of his salvation. They were both amazing. Pray for Arthur and Kesto.

May God bring someone down here to fill the gap that will be left by Ken and Karen Glover when they retire in 18 months. Dwight and Gloria Lehman were here doing a great job right beside the Glovers but God moved them to the home office to oversee several countries’ missionaries. These Blacks fill Georgetown but are blind to the Savior. As someone on TV used to say, "Come On Down".

May God bring someone into your path or go out and make your own path, praying as you go. Let me know how it goes. A big thanks to Marie C. for telling me—you changed my life for eternity. She and her husband Don pray, support and love us even now, 38 years later. We love and pray for you too.

This morning we walked by the seawall which is just 75 yards away. A Hindu lady was in the water with a brass pot doing her devotions. Others were simply chanting. Next door, a half dressed drug-spent lady sits day after day arguing with some imaginary adversaries. Not exactly a deed-restricted community. The lost are blindly wandering,..wandering

Pray for those in the chains of unforgiven sin and those in chains for sharing the life-giving message and for us too.

Well, may God by glorified in our lives today. Love ya, Joe

Keeping up with the Singhs and the Khans

Our Guest House Managers flew the coop just after we had lunch with them. Actually they flew into the interior for a week to visit and encourage a missionary family working among the Amerindians. It is a sort of celebration too for finishing their 15th year as Guest House Managers and "resident professors" at the Guyana Bible College. They really needed a break and haven't been able to get one for tooooo long.

So for a week we volunteered to help as Guest, Guest House Managers in Georgetown while we run around trying to tie up loose ends for ourselves. Terri will care for most of the inside things too numerous to mention in a third world context and I will work with the dogs, security, supply buying, and the rest of the start up details for our ministry in Berbice.

Customs is coming along well, I think. The cost will not be prohibitive. Thanks for the prayers.

We go to the Department of Home Affairs tomorrow to meet the necessary folks for our Work Permit (Visa type thing.) Please pray for this one now. This permit is what gives us the legal authority to stay in the country.

We have enjoyed all the exercise of walking all around Georgetown because of not having a vehicle but that is all changed. We now have a car now, a silver colored station wagon really--a 1999 Toyota Corolla wagon with only 47,000 kilometers on it, I trust.

Today also saw us pick up a cell phone here. The field tells us that it is really needed here since we get tied up at places so much and there can be some unusual circumstances with no other means of communication. This is the first cell phone Terri or I have ever owned! No international text messaging though. :(

We continue in good health but pray too for me, Joe to get used to driving on the other side of the road. It seems to work better when you turn on the blinker instead of the windshield wiper when you want to turn. That is an inside joke for all those experienced international drivers. The signals are on the other side of the steering wheel!

Well, time to put out the dogs and do the lock up chores around the place so I will bid you adieu.


Guyana Gaff

How far is it to Indonesia-a million miles?

Wow, we just heard that Joel, Bethany and little Jack will be leaving for Indonesia on April 19th. They have been notified that they have been approved for their visas! Our minds are spinning....

It must be 12,000 miles from here, right. "This little light of mine" comes to mind. Their little lights will shine brightly from a very distant place but they will be close enough to hear the heartbeat and feel the strong protective arm of their Savior.

Remember when Saul of Tarsus was blinded and knocked down by an intense flash of light while traveling to Damascus?
That same awesome Jesus is watching over Indonesia too. He is there already for Joel, Bethany, Jack and the thousands of other servants around the world separated from their families straining to reach the families and folks out there who are dying without even knowing about Jesus.

The sacrifices that missionaries make are real but will be seen as worth it when we look into those dear folk's eyes reflecting the light of Christ.

So kids we love you and will miss you as you follow Jesus, but we someday hope to trace your steps in Indonesia as well as meet those precious folks in heaven that you have helped by "Sharing the Well" of Jesus to the thirsty ones in Indo.

Thanks too, Jon for putting us on to Caedmon's Call.

Reflections of a Dad~

Ah, Berbice, where the sea breezes blow.

Well, friends we were there and back again--Berbice that is! Let me write this as if I were still there.

Ah, Berbice. We started the day with a brisk walk about 6 before it gets hot followed with coffee and a quiet time before drinking tea (breakfast).

At mid-day we heard of a tief (thief) that was caught red-handed and was lucky the police came to rescue him from the frustrated villagers (4 other thieves were not so lucky in Nigg and another village where the villagers chopped them to death with cutlasses (machetes) before the police could get there.

In the afternoon wandering cows ate the green growing things in the trenches. Like Popeye--eating the worms but spitting out the germs. Is that vintage boomer talk or what? Cooling breezes cranked up after 4pm bringing out the youth--boys only (that's up to 30 years old here) to play cricket in the "bruck-up" (dilapidated) street complete with potholes.

Donkey carts share the smaller streets with cars and trucks while Brother Ray wearing an umbrella hat peddled bread products from his bike.

You don't remember it all the time but the Muslim call to prayer does go off several times during the day over a loud speaker in the village. Speaking of loud speakers what about noice ordinances to reduce the reverberation of the loud music that is offered for the entire neighborhood to be entertained by. That is what we call "freeness".

In closing the day how about a birthday party including "the cutting of the cake" complete with encouraging words from the guests for the benefit of the birthday gal as in a Guyanese wedding and then supper at 8pm. I had to sneak out of the party at 10:30pm to retire because of church the next day.

Maybe it didn't all happen in one day but it was all such a blur!

All the best as we say here and thanks for letting me know that you are reading this.

Home is where you clap your own roti

Saturday in Nigg Settlement~~

It has been a few good days. We are at Br. Shawn and Sister Annetta Geer's home where Br. Todd used to live. Today is Sis. Annetta's birthday so Br. Shawn made some delicious French Toast and their 2 children made great homemade cards.

The big answer~~We have rented a house! It is really just what we were wanting too. It is 2 streets behind Br. Shawn's house so it has a dirt road presently but paved roads are really coming in the near future. Upstairs it has 2 small bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, a living room, bath as well as breezy varandas in front and back. Downstairs consists of a storage room and a large concrete covered patio (bottom house.)

We are going to be able to costomize it to fit our needs so it is great. The yard in the back is not too big--about 50' x 50'. It only has a couple small trees in the yard now, so it is very open with a chain link on 3 sides and board fence on the right side.

We also have received word that our shipment is in so that will be the next project for us. We will go back to Georgetown on Wednesday to start that process.

Gaff more later. Br. Joe

Heading to the Corentyne tomorrow.

Tuesday, we had a somewhat laid back day. Actually had to move out of our house to make room for a larger missionary family. Then we cleaned up the house a bit for the new family to help out.This all took longer than I had anticipated so no cycle shopping today.

We took a 20 minute walk after lunch to an internet cafe so we could get cheaper rates (7 1/2 cents per minute)to call our son in Indiana. Otherwise the cost is 50 cents per minute. It was great to hear his voice and catch up on his life.

Tomorrow is a Hindu holiday called Phagwah in Guyana. The Hindus throw violet colored dye on anyone or any car that is not opposed to it. They also throw mud or water on each other just for the fun of it. So we will try to keep a low profile tomorrow as we travel to the Corentyne. We travel for a couple of hours with a Presbyterian missionary couple from Canada on the one major road going east (and west) that covers civilization in Guyana. We have to wait at the docks for a ferry going across the Berbice River, then travel about 40 minutes longer to get to the settlement (town) called
Nigg. So Thursday we start house hunting.
Nothing comes easy so pray alot.

Well JBj, praise God for your safety from the 100 sightings of funnel clouds in the Missouri area. Life can sure be exciting.

Abee wanna knock a proper gaff?

We call this Blog Site the "Guyana Gaff" because to have a proper gaff in Guyana is to have a friendly chat. So "abee wanna ta knock a proper gaff?

Monday--

Oh me momma! Today we thought we were going to look at some possible housing options but that will not materialize until Thursday so just after breakfast, Ken, the male part of the Guest House Managers team hurries off after breakfast only to come back after 10 minutes to casually ask me if I might know much about septic tanks. I thought to myself, "What is there to know about septic tanks in Guyana?" I won't go into more details here but you can ask for a scientific explanation or recipe if you so desire!

So guess what 2 missionaries and 1 national did this morning--clean out an overflowing septic tank by using a bucket attached to a rope to empty a full rectangular concrete tank that was 5' x 10' x 8' deep. Afterwards I showered with anti-bacterial soap twice--just to make sure! I am truly glad that I could be here to help them. T'was a nasty job but the female counterpart of the Guest House Team will reward us tonight with hamburgers and ice cream as a special treat.

On the mission field or at your house one never know what adventure lurks around the next bend.

How was your Sunday? We traveled about 45 minutes in order to attend a 2 hour service. Getting there included crossing a 1/2 mile floating bridge over the Demerara River. Years ago a part of the bridge litterally floated away but they got tht fixed. :) We both had the opportunity to share testimonies and Terri shared a song of praise as well. Terri
had a chance to share with a m lady about forgiveness.

Tomorrow I shall begin motorcycle shopping. Vrroom, Vroom? No, really more like putt, putt but it should be interesting.

Speaking of interesting--I have 101 mosquito bites on my legs now! Little terrorists. Really though I am trying to rough it without mosquito repellant to build up my immunity to them. It does work here--that's how the nationals can handle it.

Abee gon nah. (I'll be going now.)

Does your roof talk to you?

Does your roof talk to you like ours does? As the day warms up so does the zinc roof therefore it expands some and treats us to some stretching of sorts.

Now this afternoon we had some rain that can be deafening because of the same zinc roof. This will cool the zinc and it will speak to us again. The cooler breeze refreshes... Now to find a hammock!

Our thanks goes out to you--our dear friends around the world, those scattered around the planet and those "in the homeland" for your interest and partnership in the gospel.

Guyana Gaff

Well, today is one of those days that I am being patient by trying to understand more fully the blogging scene.
Now I am going to read up on it. But first let me say
Today--Friday--Mom and I got our drivers licenses renewed partially. We have to go to Berbice to finish the job totally--I hope.

Went to the Oasis, a great little coffee shop with good service, pretty normal coffee like Folgers but with regular milk, a smile, good sweet or other snacks like homemade bagels and donuts, sandwiches, custard, flan, and tea (I think). They also have the WI/FI with 120v current too but we should not use it because of the uncertainty of voltage. It is located on the street that goes to town from The Le Meridan Pegasus about where the old New Thriving was. During this time K & K did errands.

Lunch was Cook-Up. Yum, I know. fresh garden salad, with ripe tomatoes :), pineapple and fudge squares for dessert. We came home to the good old back house and I have solved my blog problems I think. I still need to read more though so it doesn't take me so long.

We will be here until Monday and Phagwah is Wednesday, so Bek and Jon, stay out of sight.

Well, two important things I have to do still today--time with God and exercise.

Love to all.

Guyana Gaff

Guyana Gaff

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Wow is an expression of worship. God treated us with such coolness in our trip to Guyana. As they say in Jamaica “No problem mon.” Our luggage went through fine, “mum they were when our 30# personal items and carry-ons came, back-packs were not allowed as a personal item except in our case. (Really they just didn’t enforce it.) The Customs officials at Cheddi Jagan International Airport only said without looking at us “pass through” after looking to see our paper was in order and only 2 young boys followed me to the car to beg for small change! The biggest problem was when I tried getting into Ken’s car on the right side where the steering wheel was located—the boy say “You gonna drive nah, with a big smile on his face.” So much for cool on my part!

The trip from the airport was uneventful.J Because of the 2007 World Cup Cricket Competition private investors are building hundreds of new homes and a few new hotels as well. Hoping that they will be able to keep the tourists coming back by offering casino gambling in Guyana now! It might just work! Only Christ can give peace and happiness without a hangover, though.

Today we saw Br. Shawn, Sis. Anetta, Br. John Persaud, and Sis. Zed from Berbice as well as the cook and house cleaner for the Glovers—Sis. Yvonne. So we go to Berbice on Monday or Tuesday.


Lunch was yummy—cole slaw with a little sugar and very little mayo, stew beef, fat roti (saddha) and pine for dessert. Supper now calls.

All the best,

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Wow is an expression of worship. God treated us with such coolness in our trip to Guyana. As they say in Jamaica “No problem mon.” Our luggage went through fine, “mum they were when our 30# personal items and carry-ons came, back-packs were not allowed as a personal item except in our case. (Really they just didn’t enforce it.) The Customs officials at Cheddi Jagan International Airport only said without looking at us “pass through” after looking to see our paper was in order and only 2 young boys followed me to the car to beg for small change! The biggest problem was when I tried getting into Ken’s car on the right side where the steering wheel was located—the boy say “You gonna drive nah, with a big smile on his face.” So much for cool on my part!

The trip from the airport was uneventful.J Because of the 2007 World Cup Cricket Competition private investors are building hundreds of new homes and a few new hotels as well. Hoping that they will be able to keep the tourists coming back by offering casino gambling in Guyana now! It might just work! Only Christ can give peace and happiness without a hangover, though.

Today we saw Br. Shawn, Sis. Anetta, Br. John Persaud, and Sis. Zed from Berbice as well as the cook and house cleaner for the Glovers—Sis. Yvonne. So we go to Berbice on Monday or Tuesday.


Lunch was yummy—cole slaw with a little sugar and very little mayo, stew beef, fat roti (saddha) and pine for dessert. Supper now calls.

All the best,

"abe gon nah" or we are leaving now Soon anyway!

Well now that we found our site again we should post something.

Speaking of post, not the cereal, but the verb form. Remember when posting something meant writing a letter, correcting spelling errors and mistakes, folding it, stuffing it into an envelope of the appropriate size, finding and recording the address, writing down the return address, locating the stamp and then putting it into a mailbox somewhere hoping for a reply in a couple of weeks. Wow, no wonder people don't do that much anymore.

Today is the day the Lord has made so to end it we went to CFA, got a meal to go, and headed for the sunset. A beautiful time of colors: azure blue-green, sand, sunset orange, clamshell, skyblue at 7500 degrees Kelvin and the sunset enhanced flesh tones on Terriwati's face.
A perfect ending to a soon to be missed location. Abe gon nah.

The Beginning

This is a test of Joe's patience with technology. I will fix it later technology is what I work with. I haven't the foggiest if this is going to work but we shall see.

By the way " gaff " is simply a word that means "talk" in Creolese, the heart language of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana. So, we are on the track, so which way do we run?